Parents of 14-year-old murder victim sue singer D4vd and associates
The parents of Celeste Rivas Hernandez have filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in Los Angeles County against singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, his mother, managers and related companies, alleging abuse, homicide and negligence.
The parents of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez filed a civil suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court accusing singer David Anthony Burke, who performs under the name D4vd, of wrongful death and a range of other torts. The complaint also names Burke’s mother, his managers, a security guard and the singer’s publishing and merchandising firms, alleging they enabled or failed to prevent the alleged abuse.
According to the filing, Burke began a relationship with Celeste when she was 13, later becoming pregnant and obtaining an abortion. Prosecutors have charged Burke, 21, with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He pleaded not guilty and remains in custody awaiting trial.
The lawsuit claims Burke used his influence to control Celeste, providing a concealed phone, false identities and funding travel. It alleges that on the night of her death in April 2025, Burke arranged for an Uber to pick her up from her family home in Lake Elsinore, then brought her to his Hollywood Hills residence where she was stabbed and dismembered, according to prosecutors.
Celeste’s parents contend that the decomposition of the remains delayed identification and that some body parts were never recovered. The complaint lists causes of action including battery, sexual battery, childhood sexual assault, false imprisonment, human trafficking, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, asserting that gifts and financial support were provided in exchange for commercial sex acts.
Burke’s mother is accused of approving and financing arrangements that allowed the alleged abuse. The suit also names the singer’s managers, Josh Marshall and Robert Morgenroth, their company Mogul Vision, and the live-in security guard as co-defendants, alleging negligence in protecting a minor.
The parents have requested a jury trial and have expressed a desire for the death penalty in a separate statement. Representatives for the defendants have not responded to requests for comment.